The Healing Power of Laughter and Escape
*Because Sometimes Soul Work Looks Like Binge-Watching in Pajamas*
Let’s be real — not every healing moment looks like a spiritual retreat in the mountains or hours of deep journaling by candlelight. Sometimes, healing looks like stretchy pants, a perfectly timed meme, and laughing until you wheeze over a ridiculous comedy sketch.
I’m Sonia Iris Lozada — actor, poet, and over-thinker turned wisdom whisperer — and in this week’s episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café, I talk about the underrated brilliance of laughter and the sacred pause of escapism.
And no, I’m not talking about ignoring your feelings or bypassing reality. I’m talking about intentional joy. That full-body exhale that comes when you let go of the need to “fix” everything and just let yourself feel better for five minutes.
What I’ve Learned from Laughing at the Absurd
A few years ago, I was going through grief, exhaustion, and burnout all at once. You know the kind — where even brushing your teeth feels like a workout.
Instead of trying to meditate it away or “be productive,” I surrendered. I turned on a silly video. And I laughed. Not a polite giggle — I mean an ugly, snorting, can’t-breathe, just-peeled-myself-off-the-floor kind of laugh.
That moment did more for my nervous system than any affirmation ever could.
Escape Isn’t Weakness — It’s Wisdom
We tend to treat escape like it’s a dirty word. But the truth is, conscious escapism is an emotional palate cleanser.
Without it, we’d all be walking around like mannequins with unresolved childhood issues — smile painted on, dead behind the eyes. (Yeah… I said it.)
Escaping into a feel-good story, a comedy binge, or a joyful distraction doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you know when to put the heavy stuff down.
Try These Soulful Escapes
- Laugh List: Make a list of videos, shows, or jokes that never fail to crack you up.
- Comedy Night: Pick one night a week for intentional joy. No true crime. No drama. Just light.
- Journal the Ridiculous: What silly thing happened this week? Write it like a stand-up set.
Listen Now
If this blog made you smile or sigh in relief, go listen to the full episode:
The Healing Power of Laughter and Escape — now streaming on all platforms.
And remember, you don’t always need a breakthrough. Sometimes, you just need a break.
With love and laughter,
Sonia
Catching Up at Chica’s Café: The Industry, the Pause, and What’s Ahead. It’s been a full, complex, and sometimes quiet stretch since my last blog post—and if you’ve been listening to Overheard at Chica’s Café, you know just how layered this past year has been, both personally and within the industry.
The June 2024 episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café Podcast features Jean Philippe Kaya, a versatile artist known for his skills as a DJ, classical pianist, musician, and producer. Tune in to hear about his journey into the world of DJing, his music career, and valuable advice for aspiring individuals in these creative fields.
Our special guest in the May 2024 episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café is Jan Mullen, a seasoned music industry executive with an incredible wealth of experience. Her career spans from the alternative punk bands in the vibrant 80’s music scene to collaborating with renowned jazz musicians. In this highly informative and fascinating episode, Jan shares her vast knowledge and insights into the ever-evolving music industry. Listen as she takes us through her personal journey in the world of music and life. If you’ve ever been curious about the inner workings of the music business, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Our episode of the Overheard at Chica’s Café, aired in April 2024, we are joined by Dominic Rambaran, a fellow actor whom I have known for many years. We delve into his experiences in the world of acting and discuss the humorous and challenging moments he has encountered on stage and in the industry. Tune in to gain insight into the journey of an actor’s life.
This month’s special guest on Overheard at Chica’s Café is entertainment attorney Mark Pearson. Although this episode may be longer than others, it is packed with fascinating discussions. We delve into the legalities and requirements for success in the music, film, and entertainment industries. AI and its impact on creative property also takes center stage in our conversation. If you’re interested in learning about thriving in the constantly evolving entertainment world, this episode is a must-listen. And as a bonus, we go into further depth on the topic of AI due to the extended length of this episode in a separate episode.
Join us in celebrating the beginning of a new year with our special guest, Sound Designer and Composer Jane Shaw. We delve into her journey into the world of sound design for theater, and explore her impressive list of credits. Our conversation is full of fun anecdotes about her career, as well as her hobbies outside of work. As one of the founding members of TSDCA (Theatrical Sound Design Composer Association), she has a wealth of knowledge about the history and current state of sound design in the theater world. So, if you’re interested in learning more about this field, this episode is a must-listen!
Happy New Year to all! As the 2023 came to an end, I wanted to wish everyone an amazing New Year filled with love, joy, prosperity, and most importantly, good health. We often take our health for granted, but it truly is the foundation for enjoying life’s many blessings.